Machine Knitting: Increasing – 2 ways
Knitting garments usually involves shaping and that means you will need to increase or decrease stitches. In hand knitting is easy to increase and decrease stitches across the row but in machine knitting it is really only possible at the ends of the row. If you need to increase multiple stitches then this is basically casting on and you can cast on stitches at the carriage edge using whatever cast-on method you prefer i.e. e-wrap, latch tool. Most of the time you will be increasing one stitch at a time. Often your pattern may direct you to increase one stitch at both ends of the same row or by increasing…
Casting On: Using Cast-on Rag and Ravel Cord
This post explains how to use a cast-on rag with ravel cord to create both an open loop cast-on (good for folded hems) and a closed loop cast-on (e-wrap or latch tool).
Making a Cast-on Rag
This post shows you how to make a cast-on rag that enables you to cast on with weights. The rag can also be used to protect your garment when partial knitting.
Casting off: Using a Transfer Tool (before/behind sinker posts)
You can use the single-pronged transfer tool to cast off in two ways: in front of or behind the sinker posts (gate pegs). The first is quick and easy, the second gives a better finish.
Casting On: E-wrap cast-on
An e-wrap cast on is a very easy and quick method that can produce a nice closed edge. Needs a bit of practice to get it even, but you can make it looser if you want a stretchier edge.
Casting Off: Using a Tappet Tool
If you are able to increase the stitch dial by 2* or more then you can cast off using a tappet tool. This gives a nice even chain effect edge.
Casting On: Using a Tappet Tool
The tappet tool can be used to create a nice crochet chained cast on edge for your machine knitting. This post shows you how to do it.
Casting Off: Using a Darning/Tapestry Needle
You can cast off your knitting using a darning or tapestry needle. Method 1 uses a quick running stitch which is good for swatches although a the edge is a little uneven. Method 2 uses a back stitch which is slower but gives a neater finish.
Casting On: Using Weaving Brushes
The weaving brush cast on method is quick and easy. It is leaves a ragged edge but you can stretch or draw this up. Useful when doing a quick sampler or tension square.
Creating Knitted Swatches (or samplers)
Knitted swatches (or samplers) are smallish pieces of knitting that provide an example of your knitting. They are very simple to create and are a perfect starting point for a beginner. It is quite fun to see all the different things you can do. . Test that your machine etc works correctly Ideal for beginners to practice new techniques and shapes. Show what your yarn will look like at different tensions Compare different types of yarn Experiment with different colours and stitch patterns to get inspiration Create a library of swatches that you can refer to for future garments Produce ideas that you can show to your clients . Swatches…
